Health Care and Human Services

I was the chief sponsor for these bills aimed at increasing access and decreasing cost for health care and health insurance and improving services provided to children, seniors, and others:

CARE Act: HB 3378 (2015) to improve care for people leaving hospital care. Working with AARP, passed the Caregiver Advise, Record, and Enable ensures that family caregivers are included as part of the care team and receive appropriate training when a person is discharged from the hospital.

Health care provider incentives. Oregon faces shortages of health care professionals in many areas around the state, and particularly in Lane County where access to primary care is limited for many individuals. HB 3396 (2015) requires study, review, and recommendations regarding incentive programs targeted at recruiting and retaining health care providers.

Human service providers: HB 2020 (2013) eliminates cost and burden of multiple certifications, allowing resources to be re-directed to serving children and families instead of paperwork. Passed.

Vaccine Stewardship. HB 2371 (2010-11) is designed to reduce errors that lead to wasted vaccine, avoid the costs to providers and the state for replacing spoiled vaccine and re-administering vaccine to individuals, and eliminate the burden on individuals who must return for revaccination. Passed.

Mental health. HB 3332 (2013) Creates fund for crisis intervention and residential care for those suffering from mental illness. (funding for metal health treatment and services was increased in 2013)

Helping local organizations: HB 2856 (2011) requires state agencies to work with local governments to reduce administrative burdens, particularly duplicative audits, on human service program providers, allowing them to focus their time and energy on serving people rather than unnecessary paperwork. Passed.

Child Welfare. HB 2858 (2011-12) was designed to prevent child abuse in a stronger collaboration between Relief Nurseries and DHS.

Smoking. SB 571 C (2007-08): Expands prohibition of smoking in public places and places of employment.
Prescription drugs. HB 3433 (2007-08): Expands Oregon Prescription Drug Program to include individuals with private prescription drug benefit program that does not cover one or more necessary drugs taken by individual.
Health insurance. HB 3300: Requires insurer to offer policy of group health insurance to chamber of commerce that satisfies requirements of association.
HB 3253 (2007-08): Requires health benefit plans to provide coverage of human papillomavirus vaccine for female beneficiaries who are 11 years of age and older.
Health care cost containment (HB 2755) (2009-10): One of the top concerns I hear from constituents is the skyrocketing cost of health care and health insurance. The problem is not only large, it’s complex. And while the federal government is working on more sweeping health reform, there are things we can do here in Oregon to reduce some of our escalating costs. One of those possibilities for cost savings might be found in “reinsurance,” which is basically insurance for insurers.
Prescription drugs. HB 2700 A (2007-08): Requires prescription drug benefit program, or prescription drug benefit offered under health benefit plan or under student health insurance policy, to include coverage of contraception.
Prescription drugs. HB 2648 A (2007-08): Prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturing companies from providing certain gifts in conjunction with marketing of prescription drugs.
Smoking. HB 2571 (2007-08): Expands prohibition of smoking in public places and places of employment.
Prescription drugs. HB 2003 (2007-08): Prescription drug program: Permits all individuals who are residents of state and all public and private entities to participate in Oregon Prescription Drug Program.